The Duchess of Cambridge recently gave mothers in Kingston a surprise when she shadowed some of Kingston Hospital’s midwives on their daily visits around the community. During her two day visit on the 26 and 27 November, The Duchess also spent time with maternity unit staff, women and their families across all areas of the maternity service.
Her Royal Highness is working to highlight the impact the early years of childhood has on lifelong health and happiness – and how even before a baby is born its future development can be affected by its mother’s own health.
Frances Rivers, Homebirth Team Lead Midwife, Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation
Trust said:
“We were thrilled and honoured to have The Duchess come out with us on our
rounds visiting mothers who are planning or have had a homebirth. Several of the
families discussed the challenges common to all new parents of managing a
newborn’s round-the-clock needs with their own well-being and the adjustment
required to daily life.
“During The Duchess’ visit to the maternity unit she sat in on our homebirth team meeting and heard the stories of the families we care for. She learned what having a homebirth involves – from the kit we bring to ensure the safety of mother and baby to the practicalities of setting up a birthing pool.”
Sally Brittain, Director of Nursing and Quality at the hospital said:
“It was an absolute pleasure for all of us to host The Duchess at Kingston Hospital, particularly as by throwing a spotlight on our work and the work of all midwives, we couldn’t have asked for a better introduction to the International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife 2020.”
Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is in South West London and it was rated outstanding by the CQC in 2018.
Kingston Hospital’s Maternity Unit
For more information about maternity services at Kingston Hospital click here
Watch our film – Having your baby with Kingston Hospital’ Maternity
All press enquiries to:
- During working hours (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm) please call the Communications Team directly on 020 8934 3613/3614 or email khft.comms@nhs.net
- Out of hours or at weekends, please call the main switchboard on 0208 546 7711 and ask for the duty press officer
- Visit www.kingstonhospital.nhs.uk and see the News section of the website.
